‘Xanadu Jr.’ revives ’80s roller-disco dream
Youth Arts Ambassadors offer a fresh take on the story, hit songs of the Olivia Newton-john film.
The Springfield Arts Council’s Youth Arts Ambassadors want to take you on a weekend trip to a place you may not have heard of, but with a vibe you may not want to leave behind.
“Xanadu Jr.” mixes the silly scenario of Greek goddesses come to life to help an artistic mortal achieve roller-disco dreams to a soundtrack of classic early ‘80s hit songs. The Greek gods’ home of Mt. Olympus will be in the John Legend Theater for performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The show is appropriate for all audiences, and tickets are on sale now.
Olivia Newton-john followed the massive success of her role in “Grease” with this story set in modern times — 1980. Despite a soundtrack of hit songs like “Magic” and “Xanadu” by Newton-john and “I’m Alive” and “All Over the World” by ELO, “Xanadu” bombed at the box office.
The film eventually became a cult classic and, like many others, was adapted to Broadway, where it became a hit and was nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
When the YAA visited the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta last year, they were impressed with the energy of “Xanadu Jr.” as it was presented. The kids requested that be added to the 2022-23 season.
Ian Williams was a YAA member just a few years ago. He now works as the arts council’s program and support assistant, and codirected last fall’s production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” Now he’s taking the directing reins on his own, with no nerves working against him.
While something like “Poppins” is a safe, comfort food-type of production, “Xanadu Jr.” is
a case of taking the safety wheels off, he said.
“The fun of ‘Xanadu’ is being creative, and I’m very excited about that,” Williams said.
“I was much more confident going into ‘Xanadu’ than any other show.”
While he still enjoys performing, including having the title role in last summer’s Broadway in the Park production of “Pippin,” Williams is more interested in directing. He got his start as the student director in a YAA production of “The Lion King.”
The kids have tried to watch the film version of “Xanadu” but couldn’t get through it.
Williams said the stage version “cuts the fat” and will feel fresh to those who haven’t seen the movie.
“What’s really fun is the lightning-quick pace; it just never stops. It’s also fun in how self-aware and melodramatic it is; it’s silly, and pokes fun at itself,” he said.
The ensemble cast will include 26 YAA members in grades six through 12, along with several newcomers who didn’t appear in “Poppins.”
The cast is led by veterans Landen Hilton, Chloe Terry and Eleni Linardos.
“Xanadu Jr.” is also unusual in that every cast member is in each number, which is a good draw.
“Every single performer in this will have a moment to make it their own,” he said.